Armagh County Museum
Free museum on Armagh's Mall, opened in 1937 as Ireland's first county museum, with archaeology, art, costume, transport and natural history collections.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Armagh County Museum opened in 1937 and is described as the first county museum in Ireland. It stands on the Mall in the centre of Armagh in a distinctive classical building that began life as a national school in the 1830s.
The collection grew from the museum kept from 1856 by the Armagh Natural History and Philosophical Society. Armagh County Council took over the building in 1930 and appointed a full-time curator in 1935. The museum was refurbished and extended in the early 1960s, then passed through the care of the Ulster Museum and National Museums Northern Ireland before coming under Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2015.
The collections follow the people, buildings and landscape of County Armagh across all periods. They include archaeology, costume and textiles, ceramics and folk crafts, natural history and transport history, as well as military uniforms and railway memorabilia. The art collection holds works by Irish artists such as George Russell (AE), John Luke and J. B. Vallely, and the museum keeps a reference library with local archives, photographs and maps.
The museum also offers family trails, seasonal activities for primary school children, a programme of changing exhibitions and virtual exhibitions on its website.
Highlights
- Oldest county museum in Ireland, opened in 1937
- Paintings by George Russell (AE), John Luke and J. B. Vallely
- Archaeology, costume, ceramics and natural history collections
- Reference library with local archives, photographs and maps
- Free family trails and seasonal children's activities
Permanent exhibitions
- Collections of County Armagh – Displays on the people, buildings and landscape of County Armagh, including archaeology, costume, ceramics, natural history and transport.
- Art collection – Paintings by Irish artists including George Russell (AE), John Luke and J. B. Vallely.
- Founded
- 1937
- Operated by
- Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
|---|
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A hearing loop system is installed. The museum links an AccessAble access guide and an autism-friendly pre-visit guide from its Your Visit page.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Baby changing facilities
Seasonal crafts and activities for primary school age children run through the year, and downloadable activity trails (a Gallery Trail and two Mystery Squares trails) can be used on a visit. Baby changing facilities are available.
Getting there & parking
By car
Accessible parking is available.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum has a shop and visitor information.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits are self-guided. The museum runs programmes for primary schools, families and community groups. |
